A new play exploring the forgotten women behind the 1839 Newport Rising will open its spring tour at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran this month.
‘Pianoforte – The Story of Mary Frost‘ is the latest production from South Wales not‑for‑profit company Her Story Theatre, which has been creating original work for just over two years and will also appear at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
Written by playwright Adele Cordner and inspired by Sylvia Mason’s book ‘Mary Frost, Wife, Mother, Chartist‘, the play shines a light on the life of Mary Frost – wife of Chartist leader John Frost – whose story has rarely been told.
While thousands of men marched through the valleys and Cwmbran on their way to the Newport Rising, Mary’s experiences remained largely hidden.
As a 19th‑century woman and former Mayoress of Newport, she was expected to stay in the background; Pianoforte brings her to the forefront.
‘Significant woman’
Adele Cordner, who also stars as Mary, said: “Mary Frost was a woman at the centre of a political storm, yet her life was undocumented.
“This play aims to shed light on the life of a significant woman in the history of Newport.
“It’s a story about marriage, identity, and the quiet strength required to navigate a world where men make the rules.”
The cast includes Clare Drewett (show director)as Dilys Morgan and David Constant as John Frost, with an original score by composer Helen Woods, recorded at the Ty Cerdd Studio in the Wales Millennium Centre.
Her Story Theatre is dedicated to telling women’s stories from history and today, creating thought‑provoking and accessible productions for audiences across Wales.
‘Pianoforte‘ debuted at The John Frost School in Newport in November 2025 and now begins an eight‑venue tour including one performance at the church where Mary and John Frost are buried- Horfield Church Hall in Bristol.
Tickets for Pianoforte – The Story of Mary Frost
The tour opens at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran, on Friday 24 April 2026 with tickets available here.
- 25 April 2026: The Drill Hall, Chepstow
- 30 April 2026: The Paget Rooms, Penarth
- 21 May 2026: The Blake Theatre, Monmouth
- 23 May 2026: The Memorial Hall, Usk
- 3 June 2026: Blackwood Miners Institute, Blackwood
- 6 June 2026: Horfield Parish Church Hall, Bristol
- 11 June 2026: The Riverfront Theatre, Newport
Click here for tickets to other shows on the tour.